what is the best school to go to?

[cain2450]

i live in sacramento and i need to learn everything from building engins, transmissions. suspension, to redo upholstry, all electrical work, body work, everything. i need to learn to build a car from the ground up. i was wondering what would be the best way to learn all of this for the least money

[danielsatur]

Not sure about school, but consider diesel repair + transmissions, they don't rebuild engines like old school.

[Blt2Lst]

I went to the school of hard knocks and busted knuckles..

Learning by doing is one way to do it, just wish AF was around when i was learning. It also helped having friends who were mechanics to guide me along the way as needed and to get me out of jams you will surely run into.

However, if time and money allow, a formal automotive education can surely help especially due to the complexity of newer vehicles these days.

Do you have any adult occupational schools in the area?
You could learn a lot there and also keep the cost down.

Wyotech seems to advertise on TV during sunday motor head shows.

http://www.wyotech.edu/

Good luck..

[danielsatur]

How about a Associates degree in computer science, bust knuckles, and www.ase.com .

[RahX]

Most dealerships will train you if you are willing to learn. The basic training programs that I've had to do since I got my Assoc. were all pretty spot on minus the actual hands on and in depth of a teacher. There are classes that I have to actually go to that are pretty damn good. Good enough that I almost feel silly for having paid for school like I did. If I knew then what I know now..

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by RahX

If I knew then what I know now..

Isn't that the truth..

[danielsatur]

Dealerships like this, because you can practice @ customers expense!

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Dealerships like this, because you can practice @ customers expense!

Isn't that also the truth..

[shorod]

Cain, are you wanting to learn this for personal projects, or are you trying to get into the fields professionally? From a professional standpoint there probably are not many businesses that would be interested in such a broad, but minimal, education. Most would like to see a focus on a specific area. Ever heard phrases such as "Scholar of many trades, master of none?"

If you're wanting this knowledge to complete a personal project or two, the busted knuckles approach may be the least expensive and most prone to providing you with "lessons learned." Some of the trades like welding, metal fabrication, body and paint work you could likely learn from your local community college for a reasonable price. Often the community colleges will let you bring your own projects in as well.

-Rod

[vgames33]

I learned about cars by force. My first car was an '83 Toronado in 2004. It broke down all the time and I got sick of asking my friend for help, so I learned on my own. I did the "busted knuckles" thing for many years before taking a 2 year program at a local technical college. Best decision I ever made. I now know more than I ever would have learned on my own and am looking for a job as a mechanic. Highly recommended.